AMENDMENT: Chapter 15 rewritten.
Formal suspension of a youth member may be appropriate where they have been accused of a serious criminal offence or of behaviour that put adults or young people at serious risk of harm. See also the factsheet Guidance on the formal suspension of youth members.
Suspension is not a disciplinary sanction or an indication of guilt but ensures that no situation can arise that may cause further concern and allows a period where further information may be received and if appropriate the statutory agencies (typically the police or social services) may carry out their duties.
The District Commissioner has the authority to suspend a young person. However wherever possible they should act in consultation with the relevant Group Scout Leader / Explorer Scout Leader.
Before suspending a young person, District Commissioners should consult their County Commissioner and must inform the relevant Field Development Officer, Field Commissioner or Country HQ.
Where a statutory authority is involved, advice must be sought from that body.
Where a young person's membership has been suspended they may not participate in any activity connected with Scouting and must not wear the uniform or badges.
The parents / carers of the youth member must be informed of their suspension in writing and given a copy of the information sheet Notes for the parents /carers for the young person.
They must also be offered an independent Scouting colleague to act as a supporter. The information sheet Supporting a young person under suspension provides relevant guidelines.
